Importance of Crossing the Midline

 

Why is crossing the midline important? How is it done? What is gained?

Well, let's explore and find some answers to these questions. As the graphic illustrates, there is an imaginary line that goes down the center of the body. There are two sides of the body and for them to work together, the imaginary midline needs to be crossed.

Crossing midline is the ability to move hands, feet, and eyes together, across and to the opposite side of the body. Crossing the midline is no simple task for the neurological system. It demands many skills including: body awareness, hand-eye coordination, muscular strength, and the most essential part is brain communication. Researchers tell us that crossing the midline builds new pathways in the brain which are building are developing intellectual and movement skills.

If crossing the midline is difficult for a child, delays in development may occur. If this is noticed, incorporating activities that promote crossing midline in your child’s every day life are important. By doing this you may teach the child how to use both sides of there bodies.

What are some activities that may be affected?

• Gross motor Catching and throwing a ball
• Fine motor related to academics Reading, writing, drawing and cutting
• Visual Ability to look or scan in multiple places
• Motor planning coordinating using eating utinsels, walking in a straight line, or tying shoe laces

It is easy to do crossing the midline activities.

• Blow bubble and have child pop them with both hands so they cross the midline.
• Practice figure eights in front of the body.
• Cross one foot over the other and walk sideways.
• Do toe touches with right hand touching left toe. Switch to the other side.
• Try some Brain Gym. .https://m.youtube.com/watch?Yv=O5ChXC-rHLE

It is easy to incorporate crossing the midline activities. All that's necessary is to think about how normal activities could be done a little differently so the midline is crossed. Once it is started, it Becomes a part of life when working with your child.

 

 

 

 

 

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